Agathos Classical School of Columbia was named the 2026 Tennessee State High School Mock Trial champion after two days of preliminary rounds at the state Mock Trial competition held in March in Nashville. The school prevailed over the University School of Nashville.

Top: Agathos Classical School of Columbia with Justice Sarah Campbell (far left)

Tennessee State Supreme Court Justice Sarah Campbell presided over the championship round, while members of the TBA Young Lawyers Division’s (YLD) Executive Committee, TBA President Heidi Barcus and TBA President-elect Charlotte Knight Griffin served as jurors. Earlier in the day, the top eight teams were announced, an MVP for each of the 16 teams was recognized, individual awards were presented to the best advocates and witnesses, and Unicoi County High School of Erwin was awarded the 2026 Sportsmanship Award.

The top three artists in the Artist in the Courtroom Contest also were recognized. James Overstreet of Houston High School in Germantown won first place.

James Overstreet’s winning artwork

Agathos Classical School and Overstreet will represent Tennessee at the National High School Mock Trial Competition in Des Moines, Iowa in May. The team is coached by Columbia attorneys Jason Whatley and Cory Ricci of Whatley & Associates and Luke Worsham.

Top left: Unicoi County High School, Erwin — Sportsmanship Award winner with YLD President Judge Alex McVeagh (far left) and TBA President Heidi Barcus (far right) Bottom left: Chris Coker, Maryville High School — 1st Place, Best Witness for the Defense Bottom center: Caroline Wallace — Most Valuable Player for St. Mary’s Episcopal School (Gambini) Bottom right Binyam Dunne, University School of Nashville — 1st Place, Best Advocate for the Defense

TLAP Executive Director, TBJ Columnist Retires

J.E. “Buddy” Stockwell retired in April from his position as executive director of the Tennessee Lawyers Assistance Program (TLAP) in April. Appointed in 2020 by the Tennessee Supreme Court, Stockwell has worked to transform the program into the “sustainable, gold-standard program it is today” according to TLAP Commission Chair Judge Michael Spitzer. Over the years, TLAP has expanded from assistance with alcoholism and drug use to all other mental health issues such as depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar issues, burnout and compassion fatigue. “The profession with all its pressures and the speed of information these days, and just how tough it can be to practice law, it has ushered in a new era for LAPs. Substance use disorder cases are still significant, but TLAP is comprehensive now. We have a professional clinical staff that can help address any type of mental health issue,” Stockwell said.

“Lawyers need all the assistance they can get, and Buddy Stockwell has unstintingly provided support, encouragement and invaluable information to us all through his highly readable TBJ column,” says Andrée Sophia Blumstein, chair of the Tennessee Bar Journal Editorial Board. “The board could not be more grateful to Buddy for his inspirational contributions.” Stockwell has written “The Buddy System” column for the Tennessee Bar Journal since 2021. His final installment will be published in the July/August 2026 issue.

TBA Board Fills 2 Vacancies at Recent Meeting

At its recent spring meeting, the TBA Board of Governors voted to fill two vacancies on the board. Filling the open seat for the Western Grand Division governor will be Geoffrey Lewis, associate general counsel at Memphis Light, Gas & Water. Lewis previously was in private practice and an assistant city prosecutor for the City of Memphis. He also serves in the TBA House of Delegates and as co-chair of the Leadership Law program. Filling the open seat of 7th District governor will be Joshua Dougan with Dougan Law and Mediation in Jackson. Dougan previously was active with the Young Lawyers Division, assisting with the Wills for Heroes program and serving on the Mock Trial Committee. He recently transitioned from the 26th Judicial District Attorney’s office to his own private practice. Both will take office at the board’s June meeting to be held conjunction with the TBA Annual Convention.

TBA’s Solo Health Plan Upgrades to Anthem BCBS

TBA’s solo health plan just got a major upgrade. The solo plan has transitioned from Cigna to Anthem BlueCross BlueShield. The Anthem BlueCard PPO is a nationwide network offering expanded flexibility and services based on market demand and member feedback. The solo plan features monthly enrollment with four options. This upgrade also aligns TBA’s solo plan with our group health insurance program, which offers BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee and open for enrollment each fall. Learn more at www.tba.org/solo_insurance.

Belmont University Names New Law School Dean

Belmont University has named Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and Professor of Law Deborah R. Farringer as its next dean of the College of Law, making her the first woman to lead the school, with her appointment effective Aug. 1. Farringer, who joined the faculty in 2013 and has overseen curriculum planning, faculty development and student success initiatives since 2021, succeeds Dean Alberto Gonzales, who has led the law school since 2014. Before entering academia, Farringer practiced health care and regulatory law at Bass, Berry & Sims and served in legal roles at Vanderbilt University, in addition to completing a federal appellate clerkship. According to a press release from the law school, university leaders cited her academic leadership and institutional knowledge as key to continuing the law school’s growth, which has included top bar passage rates and strong employment outcomes for graduates. “I am honored to serve as dean of the Belmont University College of Law,” Farringer said. “Belmont Law has built a strong record of student success and national credibility while remaining grounded in its mission to instill the highest standards of personal and professional conduct. I am grateful to Dean Gonzales for his leadership and look forward to working with our faculty, students, alumni and partners to build on this momentum and lead Belmont Law into its next chapter.” Farringer is married to TBA Vice President John Farringer.

Swearing In Ceremonies Set for June
Swearing in ceremonies for those who passed the February bar exam have been scheduled across the state for June. Ceremonies are set for June 2 at 9 a.m. at the Supreme Court Building in Knoxville; June 2 at 2 p.m. at the Supreme Court Building in Nashville; June 3 at 9 a.m. at the Shelby County Courthouse in Memphis; June 3 at 1:30 p.m. in Jackson (location to be determined); and June 4 at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. for two virtual ceremonies. All times CDT except for the Knoxville event in EDT.

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